Pioneers History

On February 4, 1880, General Benjamin Franklin Partridge appeared before the Pioneer Society of Michigan and gave a prepared speech on the history of Bay County.

His unedited speech is used to tell the story behind the pioneers of Bay County.

Partridge (also spelled Patridge) came to this area with his family in 1854, three years before the county was organized. He was a young businessman skilled as an engineer and surveyor. However, it was lumbering that drew him here. He built saw mill along Water Street, but it proved not to be a success for him. He remained here the rest of his life working as an engineer and surveyor. He was active in local politics holding elected positions as sheriff, and supervisor of Portsmouth township. As he gained some wealth, he speculated in land acquiring properties in several different counties. Partridge and his wife, Olive, are buried at Elm Lawn Cemetery in Bay City.

Page Contents

The text of Mr. Partridge's speech begins on the next page is unedited except for the addition highlighting to references for people in bold type and places in italic type.

Each page in the drop down menu below gives a brief reference to each of the pages. Besides the normal menu in the right hand column, we have provide addition information om some of the pages. Where we have a photo of an individual it will be included here. Some may also have a biography page and they will appear as a link below their photo.

Gen. Partridge's BiographyWe recommend reading his biography as a background on the author of this historical document. A pioneer himself, he contributed much to the good of this community.
Heritage Library/People/
{Bio.: Benjamin Partridge}